Bún Gà Nướng (Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Bowl) is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines flavorful grilled chicken, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and rice vermicelli noodles, all topped with a savory-sweet fish sauce-based dressing (nước mắm). It’s a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a warm day or whenever you’re craving something fresh and vibrant. Here’s a step-by-step recipe for making Bún Gà Nướng at home!
Bún Gà Nướng (Grilled Chicken Vermicelli Bowl)
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Vermicelli Bowl:
- 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickled carrots and daikon (optional, for added flavor)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- Fried shallots (for garnish)
For the Nuoc Cham (Fish Sauce Dressing):
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 bird’s eye chilies (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), rice vinegar (or lime juice), minced garlic, shallot, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor). If you have a grill, you can marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Nuoc Cham (Fish Sauce Dressing):
- In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, warm water, sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped chilies (if using). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is balanced. Taste and adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spice level according to your preference. Set aside.
3. Cook the Vermicelli Noodles:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes). Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking.
- Drain well and set aside.
4. Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Brush with a little vegetable oil.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
5. Assemble the Bún Gà Nướng:
- Place a generous serving of the cooked vermicelli noodles into a large bowl.
- Top with the grilled chicken slices.
- Add the shredded lettuce, julienned cucumber, and pickled carrots and daikon (if using) on top of the noodles.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, and Thai basil (optional), and sprinkle with crushed peanuts and fried shallots for extra crunch and flavor.
6. Drizzle with Nuoc Cham:
- Pour a generous amount of the nuoc cham dressing over the noodles and chicken. You can always serve extra sauce on the side for people to add to their liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Toss everything together to mix the flavors, and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh with the combination of grilled chicken, herbs, fresh vegetables, and the savory-sweet dressing.
Tips:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the grilled chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same fish sauce marinade.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of chilies in the nuoc cham or add a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and noodles in advance, and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
This Bún Gà Nướng is an absolutely delicious and light Vietnamese dish that combines savory, sweet, salty, and fresh flavors. It’s a wonderful balance of textures and tastes and is perfect for a quick, healthy meal that will impress your friends or family! Enjoy!